[chad whelan]

My wife wants to start an online/specialty bakery. There are many restrictions here in CT and a certified kitchen which has to meet many requirements is needed. This can not be simply ran out of our house. We are looking for alternative methods such as renting time at a place that already has a certified kitchen. We are located in Deep River, so anywhere within a 1/2 hour drive would work. This is a small business that would be just starting up so I cannot imagine needing all that much time to begin. Any suggestions or help are appreciated.

Thanks

Chad

[MrGompers]

Originally Posted by chad whelan

My wife wants to start an online/specialty bakery. There are many restrictions here in CT and a certified kitchen which has to meet many requirements is needed. This can not be simply ran out of our house. We are looking for alternative methods such as renting time at a place that already has a certified kitchen. We are located in Deep River, so anywhere within a 1/2 hour drive would work. This is a small business that would be just starting up so I cannot imagine needing all that much time to begin. Any suggestions or help are appreciated.

Thanks

Chad

I've never run a business like this. However, I would imagine churches are good place to start. You could also try lodges like elks lodge, VFW, etc.

[MrRational]

Check with your church or other churches nearby.
I've personally known two different small caterer's use this approach at the start.

[mels]

Anywhere that serves food to the public could rent you space. You may want to try a local restaurant that opens only in the afternoons and leaves their kitchen unused in the mornings. A friend of mine does this in NY for her chocolate business and it works out well for all parties. She gets her space and the restaurant makes money off of down time.

I for one am glad CT (and many other states) have such laws. I really wouldn't want to be subjected to food cooked in a stranger's home where you have no clue about the cleanliness, airborne cat hair, their toddler jamming their dirty fingers in the cookie batter, etc. At least commercial kitchens have the threat of being inspected and have to have some semblance of cleanliness!

[chad whelan]

Thanks, we are making some calls, all good ideas.

[Folly Baked Goods]

Chad,

Did you and your wife ever find a commercial kitchen for rent in the Deep River area? I live in Deep River too and would love to find such a kitchen.

Audrey

[chad whelan]

Hi Audry

We did find a few places, not in Deep River, but within a 1/2 hour I think. My wife would know better where exactly. We did not end up using them because of the cost, they were not cheap. If I remember correctly it was in the $500 range for a full day. We have decided to go another direction with the business until we find something that works. If you come across any reasonable deals please let us know.